Motorist Accused of Dangerous Driving After Fatality

Shahid Ilyas, 48, is on trial for dangerous driving after he struck 12-year-old Callum Rycroft on the M62 while the boy was crossing the motorway on August 5, 2023. Prosecutors have stated that Ilyas is not at fault for the collision itself, as he could not have anticipated a pedestrian on the motorway, which has been criticized for lacking a hard shoulder. However, Ilyas continued to drive for two-and-a-half miles after the incident, despite significant damage to his windscreen that impaired his visibility, and did not report the crash to the police until the following day. The court heard that Callum's father, Matthew Rycroft, was responsible for his son's presence on the motorway and has already faced charges related to manslaughter. The jury must determine whether Ilyas's actions after the collision constituted dangerous driving. The case highlights issues surrounding road safety and the responsibilities of motorists in accident scenarios.